We are so excited that CMA Fest is 𝗕𝗔𝗖𝗞 this year June 9-12. As a part of the festivities, we’ll be open for special daytime hours! Come on by to see The Bluebird, take pictures on our stage, and shop our exclusive merchandise deals. We hope to see you there!
𝗢𝗣𝗘𝗡 𝗛𝗢𝗨𝗦𝗘 𝗛𝗢𝗨𝗥𝗦:June 8, 10 AM–2 PMJune 9, 10 AM–2 PMJune 12, 10 AM–2 PM
When Amy Kurland focused the Bluebird’s stage on songwriters, to shine a light on the foundational creators of songs, no one imagined that this tiny venue in a strip mall would be woven into the fabric of the music community in such a significant way.
Songwriters have established a spirit in this tiny room that doesn’t exist anywhere else in the world, and we are grateful to be connected to this inspirational and close community. If you are a fan of songwriters, you are part of our family.
With that in mind, we are grateful for the support of the Bob Kingsley estate in helping us celebrate our anniversary and preserve the history of supporting songwriters. The iconic broadcaster changed country radio by establishing “Bob Kingsley’s Country Top 40” and his voice became synonymous with the genre he loved. That love spanned both the artists and the songwriters behind the music. Bob knew those writers, intimately, and loved them whole-heartedly, always recognizing their contributions to country music. Thanks to the Bob Kingsley estate for help in preserving our history. Through a gift from Bob’s wife Nan, we are working to digitize and archive years of Bluebird show recordings; a monumental and important task that will make The Bluebird’s magic available for years to come. Thank you, Nan for this gift in honor of one man who touched, and continues to touch, so many.
Congratulations to our resident funnyman and host of our Sunday Writers Night, Steve Goodie! In February 2022, Steve signed two record deals with Needlejuice Records, an independent record label specializing in the release of alternative music. Needlejuice will be releasing vinyl of Steve’s music: his album “Girlband” and a compilation of parodies. His songs will also be released digitally, so you can check them out on your favorite online platform!
Here’s what Steve has to say about the genesis of this opportunity:
“I write and record funny songs. In 2001 famed radio personality Dr. Demento started playing some of them on his syndicated program “The Dr. Demento Show.” The good doctor is famous for launching the career of “Weird Al” Yankovic, and it was quite a boost for me to be heard by thousands of people nationwide with a sense of humor. Among the songs he played were several of my Harry Potter songs (I would eventually write and release 24 of them).
One of those listeners was a 12-year-old named Jace McLain, who lived in Memphis with his parents. He contacted me a year or two later, saying that he really liked my songs, and he appreciated that I could write kids’ music that didn’t patronize kids. He would eventually buy every album and single I released. When Jace finished high school he enrolled at Middle Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro as a Music Production major. During that time, he and his band Nuclear Bubble Wrap began recording with me at my studio, and I produced several albums for them. As the years passed, NBW began creating their new albums on their own… but they still came to me for mixing, which was very gratifying.
In 2018 Jace formed Needlejuice Records with two partners. All three are into nerdy, fan-based, comical, bizarre, and/or intelligent songs, and they are also big fans of vinyl. And in 2020 Jace approached me about digitally re-releasing my entire catalog on every streaming platform. Up till then I’d been fairly lazy about getting new releases to all the outlets, and this deal would get me up to date and searchable and findable everywhere. Jace also suggested that I consider letting him re-release some of my existing material on vinyl, as he felt that his Needlejuice clientele might take an interest. So in February 2022 we signed two contracts, one for the digital release of everything I create on every platform in existence, and one for the vinyl release of a parody compilation, and also the vinyl release of an old album of mine called “Girlband” (which comprises 13 songs all written from the point of view of 9-year-old girls; and sounds creepy, but it’s actually G-rated and a lot of fun). And who knows, we may release more in the future.
And the moral of the story is: always be nice to 12-year-olds!”
The Bluebird Cafe and Taylor Guitars have partnered once again to bring back The Bluebird Golden Pick Contest for its fifth season!
Contest Entry Guidelines:
Guidelines:
Winners will automatically advance to the front of the line at The Bluebird Cafe’s Monday night Open Mic Night (either virtually or in-person in Nashville, Tennessee) on the third Monday of every month, which guarantees you time to play TWO (2) original songs.
ONE [1] winner will be chosen by The Bluebird Cafe the first week of each month for a 12-month period (one entry per person per month). Winners will be selected and contacted via Direct Message (on Instagram) by The Bluebird Cafe’s staff.
There will be 12 winners selected by the Bluebird Cafe over one calendar year starting January 15, 2024 ending December 16, 2024. Winners will be guaranteed an opportunity to perform TWO [2] original songs as follows:
Official Terms & Conditions
*No purchase necessary to enter or win. A purchase will not improve your chances of winning.
*One song entry per person per month. Submissions must be in by the 1st of the month by 11:59 pm central time to be considered for that month.
*The Bluebird Cafe Golden Pick Contest is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by Instagram. By entering our contest, you release Instagram of every possible responsibility and accept their terms & conditions.
*Only legal U.S. residents of the fifty (50) United States and District of Columbia, Canada (excluding Québec), and legal residents of the United Kingdom who are at least eighteen (18) years of age at the time of entry are eligible to enter. Officers, directors and employees of Organizer and its subsidiaries, affiliates, distributors, retailers, sales representatives, advertising and promotion agencies or anyone professionally connected with the Sweepstakes (all such individuals and entities collectively referred to herein as the “Promotion Entities”), and the immediate family members and/or those residing in the same household of each are ineligible to enter the Sweepstakes or win a prize.
*Taylor-Listug, Inc. (“Taylor Guitars”) is not a “Sponsor” or “administrator” of the contest/sweepstakes, and is therefore not responsible for the collection, submission or processing of entries, the administration of the Bluebird Cafe Golden Pick Contest or the selection of winners.
Taylor Guitars, its parent, subsidiary and affiliated companies and each of their respective officers, directors and employees shall be released from all claims.
*This sweepstakes is void where prohibited by law.
*For live performance at The Bluebird Cafe, selected winners are responsible and must pay for their OWN travel and housing expenses to include; airfare, train, bus, car rental, fuel, food, insurance, hotel (housing rental, etc).
*By entering The Bluebird Cafe Golden Pick Contest you release Instagram of every possible responsibility and accept their terms & conditions.
*The winners will be judged, chosen, and filmed by The Bluebird Cafe staff and posted on the @bluebirdcafetn Instagram feed.
*All rights and interest in the videos filmed at Taylor’s Soundcheck Studios will be held by the respective artist; provided that Taylor Guitars and Bluebird Cafe shall be granted a non-exclusive, irrevocable, worldwide, royalty-free license to use and promote artist videos on each of their respective digital media platforms. Bluebird Cafe will coordinate with each winner to determine the means in which they want to receive their prizes, either by shipment or for pickup during their visit at Taylor’s Soundcheck Studios.
*Taylor Guitars will pay the shipping costs of all Taylor branded prizes and The Bluebird Cafe shall pay the shipping costs of any Bluebird Cafe branded prizes. Taxes are the responsibility of the winner.
*The Bluebird Cafe Golden Pick Contest submissions will take place between January 1, 2024, ending December 1, 2024.
*Submissions from prior Bluebird Golden Pick contest winners will not be considered until one year after the end of their winning contest year. For instance, the winner of January 2024 may not submit again until January 2026.
*Selected winners will perform on the 3rd [third] Monday of every month (either virtually or in-person, determined in The Bluebird Cafe’s sole discretion) at The Bluebird Cafe’s Open Mic Night starting Monday January 15, 2023, ending December 16, 2024.
*Taylor Guitars®, American Dream©, and Grand Pacific© and certain of the distinctive details of the guitars are trademarks of Taylor-Listug, Inc. All Rights reserved.
The 22nd annual NSAI Song Contest presented by The Bluebird Cafe and CMT is officially underway. From now until November 30th @ 5PM (CT), submit your songs or lyrics for a chance to win big from Rhett Akins and Ali Tamposi to a one-year single-song contract, and more! It all begins with a song!
For more information and to view all the prizes, visit http://nsaisongcontest.com
As of Monday, April 4, The Bluebird Cafe will no longer require proof of vaccination or negative test for entry into most shows. Note that COVID-19 protocols may change based on individual artist requests. Any such changes or updates to this policy will be outlined on the show page so that ticket buyers are informed in advance and updates will also be communicated to ticket holders via email.
The Bluebird is utilizing approved Merv-13 filters for air filtration and has installed negative ionizing devices in our HVAC system, designed to kill viruses and bacteria.
The CDC recommends that masks are worn in public indoor spaces in areas with high transmission rates regardless of vaccination status. The CDC also recommends that unvaccinated people wear masks at all times. We highly encourage mask-wearing for all patrons and will have free masks available at points of entry.
An inherent risk of exposure to COVID-19 exists in any public place where people are present. COVID-19 is an extremely contagious disease that can lead to severe illness and death. According to the local health authorities, senior citizens and those with underlying medical conditions are especially vulnerable.
Before you travel to The Bluebird, please screen yourself for any possible Covid-19 symptoms. Symptoms include:
RESOURCES: * Find a vaccine near you by texting your zipcode to 438-829.
By visiting our establishment, you voluntarily assume all risks related to exposure to COVID-19.
Thursday, April 15, 2021
The 56th ACM Awards, honoring and showcasing the biggest names and emerging talent in Country Music, is live in Nashville again this year. The broadcast will take place across three Nashville venues: The Grand Ole Opry, Ryman Auditorium, and The Bluebird Cafe. This year’s show will feature over 30 exciting performances from over 25 performers, including unprecedented collaborations, surprising moments and more. Click HERE to see all 56th ACM Awards nominees! The show will be broadcast Sunday, April 18th at 8/7 pm CT on CBS and Paramount Plus.
Wednesday, December 30, 2020
The Bluebird Cafe and Taylor Guitars have partnered once again to bring back The Bluebird Golden Pick Contest!
Contest Entry Guidelines:
Guidelines:
Winners will automatically advance to the front of the line at The Bluebird Cafe’s Monday night Open Mic Night (either virtually or in-person in Nashville, Tennessee) on the third Monday of every month, which guarantees you time to play TWO (2) original songs.
ONE [1] winner will be chosen by The Bluebird Cafe the first week of each month for a 12-month period (one entry per person per month). Winners will be selected and contacted via Direct Message (on Instagram) by The Bluebird Cafe’s staff.
There will be 12 winners selected by the Bluebird Cafe over one calendar year starting January 18th, 2021 ending December 20th, 2021. Winners will be guaranteed an opportunity to perform TWO [2] original songs as follows:
The Bluebird Cafe is currently closed due to COVID-19. Once The Bluebird Cafe reopens to full capacity:
Official Terms & Conditions
*No purchase necessary to enter or win. A purchase will not improve your chances of winning.
*One song entry per person per month. Submissions must be in by the 1st of the month by 11:59 pm central time to be considered for that month.
*The Bluebird Cafe Golden Pick Contest is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by Instagram. By entering our contest, you release Instagram of every possible responsibility and accept their terms & conditions.
*Only legal U.S. residents of the fifty (50) United States and District of Columbia, Canada (excluding Québec), and legal residents of the United Kingdom who are at least eighteen (18) years of age at the time of entry are eligible to enter. Officers, directors and employees of Organizer and its subsidiaries, affiliates, distributors, retailers, sales representatives, advertising and promotion agencies or anyone professionally connected with the Sweepstakes (all such individuals and entities collectively referred to herein as the “Promotion Entities”), and the immediate family members and/or those residing in the same household of each are ineligible to enter the Sweepstakes or win a prize.
*Taylor-Listug, Inc. (“Taylor Guitars”) is not a “Sponsor” or “administrator” of the contest/sweepstakes, and is therefore not responsible for the collection, submission or processing of entries, the administration of the Bluebird Café Golden Pick Contest or the selection of winners.
Taylor Guitars, its parent, subsidiary and affiliated companies and each of their respective officers, directors and employees shall be released from all claims.
*This sweepstakes is void where prohibited by law.
*For live performance at The Bluebird Cafe, selected winners are responsible and must pay for their OWN travel and housing expenses to include; airfare, train, bus, car rental, fuel, food, insurance, hotel (housing rental, etc).
*By entering The Bluebird Cafe Golden Pick Contest you release Instagram of every possible responsibility and accept their terms & conditions.
*The winners will be judged, chosen, and filmed by The Bluebird Cafe staff and posted on the @bluebirdcafetn Instagram feed.
*All rights and interest in the videos filmed at Taylor’s Soundcheck Studios will be held by the respective artist; provided that Taylor Guitars and Bluebird Cafe shall be granted a non-exclusive, irrevocable, worldwide, royalty-free license to use and promote artist videos on each of their respective digital media platforms. Bluebird Cafe will coordinate with each winner to determine the means in which they want to receive their prizes, either by shipment or for pickup during their visit at Taylor’s Soundcheck Studios.
*Taylor Guitars will pay the shipping costs of all Taylor branded prizes and The Bluebird Cafe shall pay the shipping costs of any Bluebird Cafe branded prizes. Taxes are the responsibility of the winner.
*The Bluebird Cafe Golden Pick Contest submissions will take place between Friday, January 1 2021, ending December 1, 2021.
*Selected winners will perform on the 3rd [third] Monday of every month (either virtually or in-person, determined in The Bluebird Cafe’s sole discretion) at The Bluebird Cafe’s Open Mic Night starting Monday January 18th, 2021, ending December 20th, 2021.
*Taylor Guitars®, Grand Theater©, and Grand Pacific© and certain of the distinctive details of the guitars are trademarks of Taylor-Listug, Inc. All Rights reserved.
The Bluebird Cafe and Alive Hospice Announce Year-Long Streaming Series Plus a New Partnership with Nashville’s Green Door Gourmet Will Help Raise Funds for Hospice Patients
Annual Tradition Updated for COVID-safety with Streaming Concerts Via StageIt and Outdoor Venues
Nashville, TN (December 21, 2020) – For the past 28 years, in January, The Bluebird Cafe and a host of songwriters, have helped raise funds for Alive Hospice. Revenue from a month’s worth of shows, donated by the songwriters performing, has provided a significant portion of the nonprofit hospice’s annual budget over the years.
Alive at The Bluebird’s 2021 lineup features new and returning performers not limited to:
COVID-19 has forced the longtime friends and partners to reimagine how this fundraiser can go forward with the tiny venue’s continued closure and lack of opportunity for social distancing. Their solution is to channel their creativity in new directions that include livestreaming from the cafe via StageIt’s platform plus a new partnership with Green Door Gourmet to ensure that the show will go on.
“Over the past 28 years, Alive at The Bluebird has become a joyful reunion where old friends reconnect, and new members of the community are welcomed into the circle. This year’s event will embody that same spirit,” said Kimberly Goessele, Alive’s President/CEO.
“This year forced all of us to think more about what really matters and find creative ways to sustain our work. When it came time to start planning Alive at The Bluebird, we knew we couldn’t let uncertainty overshadow a beautiful tradition that means so much to our community,” said Erika Wollam Nichols, President/GM of the Bluebird Cafe.
New Partners
In seeking COVID-safe spaces to expand the series throughout the year, Goessele turned to friend and farmer, Sylvia Ganier, co-founder and President of Green Door Gourmet.
Green Door Gourmet will partner with Alive for a series of fundraisers at their 350-acre farm including concerts and invitation-only tastings. The local, family business is finding new ways to connect to the community as an outdoor venue, and the partnership with Alive is part of this initiative.
“Connection is desperately needed right now, and so is the support Alive provides to local families at the end of a life. Green Door Gourmet is proud to be able to help,” said Sylvia Ganier.
Alive at the Bluebird Details
This year’s Alive at The Bluebird series will consist of fifteen live streamed shows from The Bluebird over the course of the year. Shows will stream every Thursday at 7:30 PM Central in January (January 7, 14, 21, and 28) and the first Thursday of each month thereafter. Starting in February, The Bluebird will continue to donate proceeds from one show per month to Alive. Follow Alive and The Bluebird Cafe to learn about performers as they are announced.
Tickets
In keeping with The Bluebird’s tradition of providing an affordable and intimate space to interact with the songwriters, tickets will cost $20 and attendance will be limited. Audience members will be able to send applause, donations, requests, and messages to the performers via SategeIt’s live chat feature.
Visit www.stageit.com/signup to create your account now. It takes about a minute and will allow you to purchase tickets to any of StageIt’s shows.
Tickets can be purchased at stageit/BluebirdTN once an account is created.
This year’s Presenting Sponsors are Buffkin/Baker and Galante Entertainment.
Alive at The Bluebird Souvenirs
Each year, a local artist creates the designs for our souvenir merchandise. This year’s collection is based on a carved wooden heart created by Bluebird employee Karleen Watt. Alivehospice.org/shop.
Alive at the Bluebird T-shirt $20
Alive at the Bluebird Wine Glass – $15.00
Alive at the Bluebird Trucker Hat – $25
Alive at the Bluebird Poster – $5.00
About Alive
Alive is the only nonprofit provider of hospice care and end-of-life services in Middle Tennessee. Its mission is to provide loving care for people with life-threatening illnesses, support to their families, and service to the community in a spirit of enriching lives. This includes in-home and in-patient hospice care, grief support, advance care planning, outreach, support to underserved communities, education, financial assistance, a comprehensive volunteer program, and professional training through the Alive Institute. A pioneer in the “good death” movement, Alive established the third hospice in the nation in 1975. Today, it remains true to its roots as an innovator and leader, helping individuals Adapt to Life Limiting Illnesses Very Effectively (ALIVE). To learn more or volunteer, visit AliveHospice.org or call 615-327-1085.
About The Bluebird Cafe
Amy Kurland opened the small but influential 90-seat Bluebird Cafe in a nondescript strip center just south of downtown Nashville in June of 1982. She added a stage as an afterthought, and live music became a staple of the eatery. Offering the club as an outlet for songwriters and aspiring artists to perform encouraged regular performers Thom Schuyler, Don Schlitz and J. Fred Knobloch to pioneer the idea of presenting songwriters “in the round,” where writers set their chairs in the center of the room to play their original material, telling the stories and inspirations for their songs. Both Garth Brooks and Taylor Swift were signed after performing in the Bluebird Cafe. Numerous aspiring artists and songwriters have been discovered and countless songs were first heard by artists, A&R execs, producers and others in the small venue. In 2008, Kurland sold the legendary venue to the Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI). More of a donation than a corporate sale, Kurland saw NSAI’s mission to “educate, elevate and celebrate songwriters” as a way to continue the Bluebird’s relationship to songwriters and to the community. The venue was a featured character in the hit television show, “Nashville,” adding to its list of fans. Outside of its home base, The Bluebird Cafe continues a host of events that bear the iconic name. Bluebird on the Mountain – a sold-out concert series at Vanderbilt’s Dyer Observatory in Nashville, the Bluebird Cafe at London’s Country2Country Festival, Bluebird at Blackberry Farm, Bluebird at the Ballet, and the 16th anniversary of the Bluebird Cafe Concert Series at Utah’s Sundance Resort. For more information www.bluebirdcafe.com.
About Green Door Gourmet
Green Door Gourmet is a heritage family 350 acre farm located in Nashville which provides the Middle Tennessee community access to locally grown vegetables, fruit herbs and flowers as well as educational and agritourism experiences. By using organic methods and regenerative agriculture practices, Green Door focuses on sustainability and accessibility for its operations, featuring a CSA program, culinary demonstrations and U-Pick opportunities. A specialty On-Farm market offers fresh Green Door Grown products and also works with the very best local and regional purveyors to offer a full range of farm products. Farm education programs reach thousands of students of all ages yearly by focusing on understanding where food comes from, food waste prevention and a healthier lifestyle by incorporating fresh food choices. Find out more at www.greendoorgourmet.com
About StageIt™
StageIt is the premier ticketed livestreaming platform and community. Founded in 2009 for artists, by artists, StageIt is on a mission to enable live intimate experiences, providing a stage for every creator and a front row seat for every fan. As an early industry leader StageIt offers a platform for artists to perform live, interact with fans and monetize shows, while creating unique experiences for fans that are never archived. www.stageit.com
MEDIA CONTACT:
Erika Wollam Nichols, President/GM of The Bluebird Cafe
615-306-6377
[email protected]
Liz Haas, Alive’s Director of Communications and Marketing
615-613-1720
[email protected]
If you love music; as a fan or as a player, the RIAA is an important organization to you – and you may not even realize it!
The Recording Industry Association of America® (RIAA) is the trade organization that supports and promotes the creative and financial vitality of the major music companies. Its members comprise the most vibrant record industry in the world, investing in great artists to help them reach their potential and connect to their fans. Nearly 85% of all legitimate recorded music produced and sold in the United States is created, manufactured or distributed by RIAA members.
Investing in great artists and protecting their creative freedom is at the heart of their work. Their members work tirelessly to find new artists, help them reach their potential in the business and connect to fans. They support record labels by recognizing excellence through the Gold & Platinum Program, protecting music copyrights, providing tools for parents and helping music creators maintain production standards.
The RIAA recognizes the importance of The Bluebird Cafe as providing opportunities, not just to established writers and artists, but also to those who are developing their talents and their careers. Our Open Mic and our Sunday Writers’ Night processes, both auditions and the actual shows, are where many up and coming songwriters take their fledgling steps on stage and through the process, develop their skills and their craft. We are grateful to the RIAA for their support and their belief in The Bluebird Cafe and our rising stars. Many thanks to everyone at The Recording Industry Association of America®!
